Can Cold Plunging Benefit REM Sleep?

Cold exposure early in the day and REM sleep each have distinct benefits for physical and mental health. Here’s how they relate and support overall well-being:

Benefits of Cold Exposure Early in the Day

1. Boosts Alertness & Energy:

• Cold exposure (e.g., cold showers or ice baths) triggers a release of norepinephrine, increasing focus and wakefulness.

2. Improves Mood:

• Exposure to cold stimulates the release of dopamine, which can elevate mood and improve resilience to stress.

3. Enhances Metabolism:

• It activates brown fat, which helps burn calories and generate body heat, supporting metabolic health.

4. Reduces Inflammation:

• Regular cold exposure can reduce systemic inflammation and aid recovery, especially for athletes.

5. Strengthens Discipline:

• Facing discomfort first thing in the morning builds mental resilience and promotes habit consistency.

Benefits of REM Sleep

1. Emotional Processing:

• REM sleep plays a critical role in regulating mood and processing emotional experiences.

2. Memory Consolidation:

• It helps integrate memories, especially those related to skills and emotional learning.

3. Creativity & Problem-Solving:

• REM sleep supports divergent thinking and creative insight.

4. Brain Detoxification:

• It’s associated with brain “clean-up” processes that remove waste, supporting long-term cognitive health.

5. Hormonal Regulation:

• Proper REM sleep helps balance hormones like cortisol, serotonin, and melatonin.

Conclusion:

Cold exposure early in the day can improve daytime alertness, which helps set a healthy circadian rhythm—supporting better sleep architecture at night, including REM sleep quality. The Studio opens at 6am Monday-Friday and 8 on Saturday and Sunday so you can keep your body firing on all cylinders!